The Pros and Cons of Various Roofing Types

When deciding to replace your roof, there are many options that are available to choose; each with their own pros and cons. Here we provide you with the positives and negatives of each type of roofing we offer, in order to help you make the best decision for you and your home.

Shingle Roofing

Shingle Roofing Is The Most Popular Option

The most common type of roofing offered is shingle roofing. Shingles consist mainly of fiberglass and asphalt but are offered in a variety of styles, cuts, and colors. They are typically installed by overlapping the individual shingles in an offset manner, known as courses. This is done from the bottom up to ensure a waterproof surface is created. Therefore, any water that may get onto the roof would be allowed to roll down the roof surface and into the gutters.

Pros:

Easy to install
Relatively long lifespan
Available in range of colors and styles
Relatively cheap compared to other roofing types
Can be recycled in some areas

Cons:

Sudden weather change can shorten the life of the shingle
Wind can more easily damage and lift up shingles compared to other roofing types
Not as environmentally friendly compared to other roofing options
Poor attic ventilation can reduce shingle life

Flat Roofing

Flat Roofing Can Provide Additional Space

Another option is flat roofing, which is typically more common in dryer climates. A flat roof is almost completely level, although there a slight slant (respective to size of home) that allows water to drain into the gutter system. Flat roofs contractors install flat roofs by placing a synthetic rubber and asphalt membrane made from either TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin), EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer), or modified bitumen over the surface. This creates a waterproof covering to protect your home.

Pros:

Easy to install
Less hazardous
More accessible
Can double as a living area
Typically less expensive than other roofing options

Cons:

More prone to leaking
Typically more water damage in home if leak occurs
High heat absorption
Higher maintenance

Cedar Roofing

Cedar Roofing Can Provide An Aesthetic Look

Cedar roofing comes in two different variations, cedar shakes or cedar shingles. Cedar shake roofing are typically thicker in size and are split from logs, providing a more rustic look. In contrast, cedar shingles are thinner, sawn from the logs, and typically give a more uniform aesthetic. Cedar roofing is installed in a similar fashion to shingle roofing.

Pros:

Natural beauty, even with aging; can increase value of home
Long life-span; very durable
More resistant to severe storms than other roofing materials
High energy efficiency due to natural insulation- up to two times greater than shingles
Eco-friendly roofing material

Cons:

More expensive both to install and to purchase the material
Requires more maintenance
Can be more dangerous in the event that there is a fire, as they are highly flammable
For cedar shake roofing in Wood Dale or another location in Illinois, Adept Roofing can provide these services.

Composite Roofing

Composite Roofing Is The Most Environmentally Friendly Option

Composite roofing is a less common option, but is made completely from recycled materials; it is the most environmentally friendly roofing option. They come in a variety of different styles and colors and can resemble the look of cedar shakes or slate roofing, giving the roof a more aesthetic appeal. Composite roofing services is also installed in a similar fashion as shingles and shakes, in that it’s installed from the bottom up to the peak of the home to ensure a waterproof surface is created.

Pros:

Highly environmentally friendly
Aesthetic appeal
Virtually maintenance free
Highly durable; long life-span

Cons:

More expensive roofing option
Installation typically takes longer compared to other roofing types
If you would like roofing services today, contact Adept Roofing. We can provide roofing in Oak Brook and many other areas in Illinois based on your individual project requirements.

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